Travel Insurance Benefits for Adventure Sports and Activities
Canadian adventurers may be covered for 250+ sports and activities while travelling
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As featured in:
At a glance
- World Nomads offers single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance plans for Canadian residents that may include 250+ adventure sports and activities
- Covered activities may include kayaking, cycling, hiking, scuba diving, camping, safari tours and more
- An optional Adventure Sports Coverage Upgrade is required for coverage for Level 2 and Level 3 activities such as skiing, cliff diving, deep sea fishing, and rappelling
- Medical emergencies that happen while participating in covered activities may be covered
- Prepaid, unused, non-refundable trip costs may be reimbursed if your trip gets cancelled or interrupted
- You may be covered the depreciated value of lost, stolen, damaged or sporting gear
- Why should you consider travel insurance that covers adventure sports and activities?
- What’s Covered for Adventure Sports and Activities
- Important to know
- Maximum Limits
- Included Activities
- Questions to Ask When Choosing a Plan
- FAQs
Why should you consider travel insurance that covers adventure sports and activities?
A recent survey shows that over one-fifth of Canadian travellers identify as adventure seekers. For some that may be rafting in Costa Rica, hiking in Iceland, or taking on the epic bike trails of New Zealand. No matter what adventures and activities you’re planning on your trip though, there are some things you can’t plan for.
If you get hurt while participating in a covered activity, travel insurance may help with emergency medical coverage that could cover things such as a hospital visit, ambulance ride, prescription medication and x-rays. (Just remember, you must have Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefit. If you don't, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to $40,000 CAD).
If your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen covered event, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of your prepaid, unused, non-refundable travel expenses (up to the maximum benefit limit shown in your policy), and this may include prepaid, unused, non-refundable tours and activities. If your sporting gear is lost, damaged, or delayed for at least 12 hours by your airline, or it’s stolen, travel insurance may be able to help as well. Because of these unexpected situations that can happen while travelling, you may want to consider getting a quote for travel insurance for activities and adventure sports. Level 1 activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, cycling, hiking, scuba diving, camping, safari tours may be included, but you’ll need to purchase an upgrade to be covered for Level 2 and 3 activities such as skiing, cliff diving, deep sea fishing, and rappelling.
What’s Covered for Adventure Sports and Activities
Important to know
- You’ll need to list out all your activities when purchasing a plan, and you may need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and 3 activities
- Coverage doesn’t include participation as a professional athlete
- Sporting equipment damaged while you’re using it isn’t covered
- You must report stolen sporting equipment to the police and get a written report
- Some adventure sports are excluded or have special conditions, so check the list of covered activities and adventure sports and refer to the policy for complete details
Maximum Limits
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $1,500,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $2,500 CAD Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier: Up to $1,000 CAD, with a $250 CAD per-item limit Sporting Equipment Delay: Up to $400 CAD Get a quote |
Emergency Medical: Up to $5,000,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000 CAD Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier: Up to $2,500 CAD, with a $500 CAD per-item limit Sporting Equipment Delay: Up to $1,000 CAD Get a quote |
Emergency Medical: Up to $10,000,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $15,000 CAD Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier: Up to $4,000 CAD, with a $750 CAD per-item limit Sporting Equipment Delay: Up to $1,500 CAD Get a quote |
Emergency Medical: Up to $5,000,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000 CAD Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier: Up to $2,500 CAD, with a $500 CAD per-item limit Sporting Equipment Delay: Up to $1,000 CAD Get a quote |
Included Activities
There are over 250 sports, activities and experiences that may be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance plans for Canadian residents. When you purchase your policy you’ll need to list out all of your activities and pay an additional premium for Level 2 and 3 activities if any fall in that category.
Some examples of activities that may be included in your travel insurance plan include:
- Kayaking
- Cycling
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Camping
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Safaris
- Pickleball
- Live Action Role Playing (LARP)
Some activities also have special conditions and special exclusions, so make sure you read your policy and understand what is covered under your policy for activities and adventure sports. You can contact us if you have any questions.
If you decide to purchase the Level 2 upgrade, you’ll be covered for all adventure sports and activities that are listed in Levels 1 and 2. If you decide to purchase the Level 3 upgrade, you’ll be covered for all adventure sports and activities that are listed in Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Plan
It may be tempting to purchase travel insurance coverage without reading the policy wording. However, you should read and understand the policy and ensure it meets your individual travel insurance needs. You’ll want to pick the plan that has the best travel insurance for the adventure sports and activities you’ll be participating in.
When deciding which plan is best matched to your adventures you might want to ask yourself:
- What kind of activities will I be doing while I’m travelling?
- What activities are my travel companions planning? Will I want to participate too?
- What coverage is offered by the different plans for these activities?
- What exclusions might apply?
World Nomads offers single trip and annual multi-trip plans for Canadian residents, and when you get a quote for travel insurance, you’ll be able to compare the coverage of each plan side by side. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with all the benefits, limits and exclusions before you buy a plan that includes travel insurance for activities and adventure sports. If you’re participating in a Level 2 or Level 3 activity, make sure you upgrade the plan and pay the additional premium. You will need to list all of the activities you will be participating in when you purchase your policy. If you have any questions about what activities are covered, you can contact us.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for adventure sports and activities. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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What adventure sports and activities may be covered?
World Nomads travel insurance plans for Canadian residents may include 250+ activities, sports and experiences. You’ll need to list out all of the activities you are planning and if any are considered Level 2 or 3, pay an additional premium to be covered.
Some examples of activities that may be included in your travel insurance plan include:
- Kayaking (inland/coastal waters)
- Cycling
- Scuba diving (up to 30 metres)
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Camping
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Safaris
- Pickleball
- Live Action Role Playing (LARP)
Some activities also have special conditions and exclusions, so make sure you read your policy and understand what is covered by travel insurance for activities and adventure sports. If you have any questions about what activities are covered, you can contact us.
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What types of medical expenses may be covered if I get injured?
All of the single trip and annual multi-trip plans offered by World Nomads include travel insurance for medical emergencies that may cover a variety of expenses, including:
- Physician costs
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medication
- Tests needed to diagnose your condition
- Ambulance transport
Just remember, you must have Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefit. If you don't, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to $40,000 CAD.
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Do I still need a Government Health Insurance Plan while travelling?
You must have Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefit. If you don't, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to $40,000 CAD.
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Will travel insurance pay for sporting equipment lost by my airline?
World Nomads adventure sports travel insurance includes coverage for baggage and personal effects and sporting equipment. If your checked bag or sporting equipment is lost or damaged by a common carrier, you may be able to be reimbursed for certain items that you can prove you owned (maximum limits and per-item limits apply). You’ll want to speak to the airline about reimbursement first, though. Your travel insurance for your baggage, personal effects and sporting equipment won’t kick in until you’ve exhausted the benefits from the source of your loss.
If your sporting equipment is delayed by your airline more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, you could also be reimbursed (up to the maximum limit shown in your policy documents) if you need to rent sporting equipment while on your trip.
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Are adventure sports and activities covered if I’m travelling in Canada?
Yes, you may be covered for trips within Canada, but only if you’re travelling outside of your home province. You will still need to make sure the activities you’re participating in are covered within your chosen plan. If you have any questions about what activities are covered, you can contact us.
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Do I get my money back for activities I paid for in advance if I have to cancel my trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is included in all World Nomads Travel Insurance plans for adventure sports and activities, and you may be reimbursed for prepaid, unused, non-refundable expenses such as tours and excursions if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. Other expenses such as prepaid, unused, non-refundable flights and hotel accommodation may be reimbursed as well.
If you think there’s a possibility that you may cancel your trip for a reason that isn’t included, you may want to consider the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ add-on. The ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ travel insurance coverage isn’t automatically included, but it’s an optional add-on you can select if you purchase the Explorer or Epic plan within 15 days of paying the first payment or deposit for your trip. With ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage, benefits may be paid for up to 50% of prepaid, non-refundable deposits and payments you made towards your cancelled trip (up to policy limits), as long as you cancel your trip at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure date listed on your policy certificate.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
Travel insurance for water sports and activities
What to know when getting your adrenaline rush in and around the water
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Making the most of stand-up paddle-boarding SUP in Asia, a casual reef snorkeling experience in Hawaii, or maybe you want to dial up the adrenaline and go parasailing in Canada.
As fun as they sound, water sports activities aren’t always smooth sailing. World Nomads travel insurance can help you keep your head above water if the unexpected occurs.
- What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
- What types of water activities and sports are covered?
- Different levels of cover and optional extras
- What's not covered
- Tips for your water activity and sports trip
What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
As a team of professional travel tragics ourselves, we know how important it is to cover yourself against the unexpected. Medical costs in overseas hospitals can be exorbitant, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Depending on your Country of Residence and your selected plan, travel insurance may help if:
- You’re injured and need medical transport or evacuation home.
- You want cover for your bags and valuables in case they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
- You need to cancel yout rip or your trip is unexpectedly delayed.
- You’ve already left home and need to buy travel insurance.
- You want cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
- You need cover for overseas medical expenses and hospitalization costs.
- You’re looking for cover for adventure sports, activities, and experiences.
Your coverage will vary according to your country of residence and whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on cover, maximum benefit limits, exclusions and conditions of your coverage.
What types of water activities and sports are covered?
Whether you want to be in, on or under the water, having insurance as a safety net can be a good idea. These are just some of the many water sports covered under our plans:
- Wakeboarding
- Kiteboarding
- Windsurfing
- Boating (inland and coastal waters)
- Parasailing
- SUP
- Rowing/sculling
- Jet skiing
- Water skiing
- Tubing
and many more activities, sports and experiences…
*All plans are different and may require an upgrade for some water activities and sports. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or water sport option for your trip.
Differents levels of cover and optional extras
With cover for more than 200 activities, sports and experiences, our team of travel experts are all about supporting you as you venture into the global depths.
When considering the specific water or non-water related activities, it’s vital that you decide on what you’ll be doing before going overseas. You cannot add sports or activities after purchasing a policy.
World Nomads has several Level 1 activities, sports and experiences which you’ll be covered for automatically and are usually lower risk activities. For example, snorkeling, parasailing (over water only), water skiing and whitewater rafting are automatically covered under both Standard and Explorer plans.
You may want to push some boundaries and add some more intense activities and sports that are categorised as Level 2 or above. For example, parasailing, deep sea fishing, and water skiing (barefoot) require an additional premium under either plan. The Explorer Plan covers you for higher risk activities and sports and will cost you an additional premium.
Travel insurance tip: World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 200 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you shouldn’t take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered. You can’t upgrade your level of cover mid-way through your holiday, so do consider this wisely.
When choosing World Nomads, you’ll have access to two simple and flexible plans – Standard and Explorer. Both plans have several coverage options and optional extras. We offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Overseas medical expenses: whether you’re in a raft traveling at break-neck speed or gliding along behind a boat on skis, if you’re new to these activities, the wobbles are a given. It only takes one fall or jolt to see you wind up with a jarred back, neck or a twisted ankle. Emergency medical bills can ruin your holiday, that’s where insurance comes in.
- 24-hour Emergency assistance: if you’re in a remote area and find yourself in need of urgent medical help, it’s not always easy to find help. World Nomads provides 24-hour Emergency Assistance. Our staff can assist you all the way from needing directions to a medical facility, helping with multi-lingual services, to urgent medical evacuation off a mountain.
- Unexpected weather conditions may interrupt/delay your plans: crazy weather such as tornadoes or cyclones, huge swells, and in some cases tsunami warnings, can delay flights and force operators to cancel pre-booked activities. Our plans may cover unexpected conditions, including natural disasters, trip cancellation and delays.
Whichever plan you go with, you agree to take reasonable care and not put yourself at needless risk while participating in these adventure sports. You must follow any local government or health authority warning or advice.
What's not covered?
While there are several things we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Participation in a water sports competition as a professional athlete
- Sporting equipment damaged from use
- Search-and-rescue mission
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government warnings
- Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies
- Any existing medical conditions, except as may be noted in the policy wording
- Any claims resulting from the violation of local laws
- Losses that come from knowingly exposing yourself to needless risk
- Fraudulent or criminal acts.
Tips for your water activity and sports sports trip
- Cover for stolen baggage and sports gear: travel insurance may be able to help if your water sports equipment is damaged or lost in transit. Note: it won’t be able to help if you break something while you’re using it, like your SUP paddle breaks, as exclusions apply to sports equipment in use.
- Monitor weather conditions and consider your fitness: you may want to reconsider your plans for a water-based holiday if you’re traveling to an island nation during the least optimal season weather-wise. You also need to ensure you are fit enough to take on any water-related activities or sports that you plan on doing. There’s no point signing up for cage-diving for instance if you’re prone to panicking or aren’t a proficient swimmer.
- Ensure your activity operators are certified and/or accredited – you should make sure that any activity you do is covered by the appropriate body or you must have the right experience level and accreditation. For example, if you’re scuba diving you must hold a current P.A.D.I. (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), B.S.A.C. (British Sub Aqua Club), SAA (Sub Aqua Association), C.M.A.S. (Confederation Mondiale Des Activites Subaquatiques), or equivalent internationally recognised qualification and follow their relevant association, club or confederation rules and guidelines at all times. Or you must only dive under the constant supervision of a properly licensed diving instructor.
- Do your research regarding vaccinations and entry requirements: if you’re going somewhere remote, ensure you’re up to date with your vaccinations and have taken preventative measures for exotic diseases like malaria, as required by the World Health Organization. Some destinations require proof of these on arrival. Remain up to date with global health warnings by monitoring int and follow the advice of your government.
- Cover for Coronavirus-related events: we offer cover for some Coronavirus-related events that may assist if your trip is derailed by COVID-19. To find out more, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which goes into more detail on all the benefits, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
True Claims Stories
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
Travel Insurance Benefits for Trips With Adventure Sports and Activities
US Residents may be covered for 250+ adventure sports and activities while on a trip
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- World Nomads offers plans that include travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services for 250+ adventure sports and activities
- The Epic and Explorer plans cover even more activities and adventures
- If you get seriously injured while traveling and participating in covered activities, you may be reimbursed for things such as x-rays, a hospital visit, and prescription medication
- Why should you consider travel insurance that may cover adventure sports and activities?
- What May Be Covered for 250+ Adventure Sports and Activities
- Important to Know
- Maximum Benefit Amounts for Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses
- What activities are included?
- Questions to ask when choosing a plan
- FAQs
Why should you consider travel insurance that may cover adventure sports and activities?
Whether you’re going rafting in Costa Rica, hiking in Iceland, or taking on the epic bike trails of New Zealand, the more you do to prepare for your adventure, the more enjoyable your trip is likely to be. There are some things you can’t always plan for, though, like a trip getting canceled because of a hurricane or fracturing a rib while mountain biking. Because of these unexpected situations that can happen while traveling, you may want to consider getting a quote for a single-trip or annual travel protection plan that includes travel insurance benefits for activities and adventure sports.
What May Be Covered for 250+ Adventure Sports and Activities
- Emergency medical expense coverage
- Trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay coverage
- Stolen, delayed, or lost baggage
- Access to non-insurance services, including one that lets you have access to your portable health records when traveling
Important to Know
- You can’t participate in any sport on a professional basis
- Damage to any sports or activity equipment while in use is not covered
- Only trips more than 100 miles from your home may be covered
- Some adventure sports are excluded or have special conditions, so check the list of covered adventure sports
Maximum Benefit Amounts for Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $125,000 per person Get a quote |
Up to $150,000 per person Get a quote |
Up to $250,000 per person Get a quote |
Up to $100,000 per trip Get a quote |
What activities are included?
All plans, including the Standard and Annual Plans, cover more than 250 activities, sports and experiences, and the Explorer and Epic Plans cover even more than that. Some examples of adventure sports and activities travel insurance benefits may cover include:
- Skiing
- Kayaking
- Cycling
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Camping
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Sailing
- Safaris
- Pickleball
- Live Action Role Playing (LARP)
- Volunteering
The Explorer and Epic Plans offer coverage for more adventurous activities as well, like high altitude hiking or cliff diving. The full list of 250+ activities can be found here. If you’re not sure if an activity is covered, you can contact us and ask.
Questions to ask when choosing a plan
It may be tempting to consider the cheapest coverage option without reading the plan wording. However, you’ll want to pick the plan that has the best travel insurance benefits for the specific activities you’ll be participating in.
When deciding which plan is best matched to your adventures you might want to ask yourself:
- What kind of activities will I be doing on vacation?
- What activities are my travel companions planning?
- What coverage do the different plans offer for these activities?
- What exclusions might apply?
You’ll want to familiarize yourself with all the benefits, limits and exclusions before you buy a plan that includes travel insurance benefits for adventure sports and activities. Contact us if you have any questions about what activities are covered by each plan.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for adventure activities. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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What adventure sports and activities may be covered by travel insurance benefits?
All plans, including the Standard and Annual Plans, cover more than 250 activities, sports and experiences, and the Explorer and Epic Plans cover even more than that. A few examples of activities that may be covered include: Skiing, Kayaking, Cycling, Scuba diving, Surfing, Bungee jumping, Camping, Hiking, Rock climbing, Sailing, Safaris, Pickleball, Live Action Role Playing (LARP), and Volunteering. Make sure you familiarize yourself with all the benefits, limits and exclusions, and if you have any questions about what activities are covered, you can contact us.
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Can I purchase a plan after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan that includes travel insurance coverage for adventure sports and activities online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Insurance for U.S. residents takes effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage for a particular activity, you’ll need to buy your insurance at least the day before you need coverage.
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Are adventure sports and activities covered if I’m traveling in the United States?
Yes, you may be covered for trips within the United States, but only if you’re traveling more than 100 miles from your home. You’ll still need to make sure the activities you’re participating in are covered within your chosen plan too.
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What should I do if I get hurt while on my trip?
If you get hurt while participating in a covered adventure sport or activity, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may reimburse the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan.
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If the airline loses or damages my sporting gear, will it be covered?
Your travel insurance benefits for adventure sports and activities includes baggage and gear coverage. If your checked gear is lost or damaged by a common carrier, you may be reimbursed for certain items that you can prove you owned. You’ll want to speak to the airline about reimbursement first though. Your plan is considered secondary coverage, and your travel insurance benefits for baggage and gear may kick in after you’ve exhausted the benefits from the source of your loss.
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Do I get my money back for excursions and tours if my trip is canceled?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses that include tours, excursions, and activities if your trip is canceled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased. Terms and conditions apply.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
Richard on assignment in Mongolia
Our Mongolia scholarship trip took Travel Photography Scholarship mentor Richard I’Anson to the far reaches of the Gobi Desert and into the colorful pageantry of the Naadam festival.
Scholarship mentor Richard I’Anson shares the highlights of his journey with Discover Mongolia, his thoughts on the benefits of our scholarships, and his tips for budding photographers.
1. How did you become a World Nomads Scholarship mentor?
I was fortunate to be invited by the World Nomads team in 2016 to become only the second Travel Photography Scholarship mentor. I was told the people in charge were aware of my work and interest in sharing my knowledge through my Lonely Planet travel photography book.
2. What makes Mongolia such a unique destination?
It’s a huge country with spectacular and varied landscapes including deserts, mountains, and vast steppes. Once you’re out of the capital city everywhere feels remote, so the sense of adventure is strong and enhanced by the long drives and encounters with Mongolia’s famous nomadic culture.
3. What makes World Nomads Scholarships such a fantastic opportunity?
The opportunity to travel on a private photography tour is amazing. The trips are 100 percent focused on capturing great photos, so it’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in an intense photography experience with people whose job is to get you to the right place at the right time and assist in all aspects of image creation.
4. What were the highlights of the Mongolia trip?
Every day produced memorable experiences and photography opportunities, but all three locations in the Gobi Desert and the regional Naadam festival at Kharakorim were the standouts for me.
5. What were the challenges of the Mongolia trip?
Nothing out of the ordinary. We covered big distances so the drives were long, but that was more challenging for our driver from Discover Mongolia. The biggest photography challenge was the long days. Because it was summer, sunrise was around 5am and sunset around 9pm. Thankfully, there was plenty of time to nap in the car on the long drives between locations.
6. You run a lot of photo tours around the world. What is the most common mistake beginner travel photographers make?
Not fully understanding the technical aspects of photography (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) and how they relate not just to correct exposure (which digital cameras can do well automatically) but how they relate to creative photography where the photographer is in control (not the camera) of the settings to achieve the look and feel in their images that they have in their mind’s eye.
7. What advice can you give someone who wants to break into the industry?
Learn the technical stuff (see above) so that using the camera becomes second nature, so that you can concentrate on the creative aspects of great photography, namely subject selection, composition, and light, so that you maximize the chance of capturing fleeting moments, which so often produce the best pictures.
Educate yourself on what quality photography looks like by studying the work of established photographers. Learn to step back from your own work and assess it dispassionately. This is harder than it sounds so seek the opinion and guidance of professionals and teachers where possible.
